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Risperdal (risperidone tablets) is an atypical antipsychotic medication that's used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia, including hallucinations, hearing voices, sensing things that are not there, and unusual suspiciousness. The medication may also be used alone or with lithium or divalproex for short-term treatment of mixed or manic episodes in adults who have a condition called Bipolar I disorder. Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes extreme mood swings. Risperdal is made by Johnson & Johnson subsidary Janssen, L.P. and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1994.

Risperdal Settlement, Lawsuits

In November 2013, Johnson & Johnson agreed to resolve criminal and civil investigations into the marketing of Risperdal and other widely-prescribed medications by paying over $2.2 billion. This was one of the largest penalties ever levied against a company for healthcare fraud. According to the agreement, Johnson & Johnson pled guilty to misbranding Risperdal for unapproved uses, as well as for paying kickbacks to physicians and to Omnicare Inc., the largest pharmacy for nursing homes.

In 2012, an Arkansas jury determined that Johnson & Johnson downplayed and hid risks associated with Risperdal. The trial judge ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay more than $1.2 billion in fines for nearly 240,000 violations of the state's Medicaid fraud law.

Risperdal Health Risks

Risperdal and other antipsychotic medications can cause serious problems such as:

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): A life-threatening nervous system problem, which can cause high fever, stiff muscles, sweating, fast or irregular heart beat, change in blood pressure, and confusion. NMS can also affect your kidneys and is a medical emergency. Call your healthcare professional right away if you experience these symptoms.

Tardive Dyskinesia (TD): A movement problem. Call your healthcare professional right away if you get muscle movements that cannot be stopped.

High blood sugar and diabetes: Patients with diabetes or who have a higher chance for diabetes should have their blood sugar checked often.

Stroke: Strokes have occurred in older patients treated for mental illness from dementia. Risperdal is not approved for this use.

Before you start taking Risperdal, tell your healthcare professional if you:

Have or had heart problems

Have or have had seizures

Have or had diabetes or increased blood sugar

Have or had liver disease

Have an obstruction of your intestines

Have Reye's syndrome

Have a brain tumor

Are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breast-feeding

Drink alcohol

Have a condition called phenylketonuria

Interactions With Other Drugs and Foods

Because certain other medications can interact with Risperdal, you should talk first with your healthcare professional about all prescription and non-prescription medicines you are taking. Your healthcare professional may have to adjust your dose or watch you more closely if you take the following medications:

Blood pressure medicines

Levodopa and medicines called dopamine agonists

Clozapine

Carbamazepine

Phenytoin

Rifampin

Phenobarbital

Fluoxetine and paroxetine

In addition, you should avoid drinking alcohol while taking Risperdal.

Is There Anything Else I Need to Know About Taking Risperdal?

Dizziness, and sometimes fainting, caused by a drop in blood pressure may occur with Risperdal, especially when you first start taking this medicine or when the dose is increased. Risperdal may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills. You should be careful when operating machinery, including automobiles, until you know how Risperdal affects you. It's important to avoid overheating and dehydration while taking Risperdal, because Risperdal use may make it harder to lower your body temperature.

Considering a Risperdal Claim? Contact an Attorney Today

Treating Risperdal complications, including gynecomastia, can require expensive surgeries and medical care. A product liability suit can allow patients to receive compensation for these expenses. Since product liability law is a complicated area of the law, it's in your best interests to consult with an experienced attorney near you today.

Next Steps

Contact a qualified product liability attorney to make sure your rights are protected.